Journalists Were Tipped Off Prior to Attack on IDF Soldiers

Lebanese journalists were tipped off of the intention to ambush Israeli Defense Forces near the Israel-Lebanon border on Tuesday. One journalist was killed during the attack. Another journalist was injured.
Civil defense workers carry the body of journalist Assaf Abu Rahal after he was killed in the exchange of fire between Israeli and Lebanese troops in the southern border village of Adaisseh, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010. Lebanese and Israeli troops exchanged fire on the border Tuesday in the most serious clashes since a fierce war four years ago, and Lebanon said at least two of its soldiers and a journalist were killed in shelling. (AP/Mohammed Zaatari)

Journalists and photographers were briefed in advance of the intention to ambush IDF troops and were therefore present at the site of Tuesday’s deadly clash between Israeli and Lebanese forces, IDF officials charge.

The lethal skirmish ensued after IDF forces performing routine operations in a border-area enclave came under Lebanese fire. The Israeli troops fired back, killing three Lebanese soldiers and a local journalist.

Another journalist, Ali Shuaib from Hezbollah’s al-Manar station, was wounded in the incident and was taken to hospital for treatment.

IDF officials raised questions about the presence of journalists and even broadcast trucks at the scene even before the clash ensued, charging this further reinforces suspicions that the incident was a well-planned Lebanese ambush.